These Louisiana prospects have seen their recruitment spike this spring

A lengthy spring football season is nearing an end, tying a bow on an eventful 7-on-7 series and the beginning workings of high school football’s offseason.

The NCAA’s evaluation period began on April 15 and will wrap up at the end of May, and in between brought a bevy of offers to some of the best prospects in Louisiana.

Several marquee college football programs have extended offers to known commodities and fast-rising prospects alike, including in-state power LSU as well as Alabama, TCU, UGA, Tennessee, Missouri, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, South Carolina and Kansas, among others.

Here is a wrap-up of Louisiana’s recruits who drew the most attention from college football coaches over the past few months and saw their recruitments elevated to new heights this spring:

Spring recap: St. Julien is one of the best-kept secrets in The Boot, but this spring has jumped into the limelight with offers from several SEC and Power 5 schools. LSU coaches have visited the Lake Charles-area prospect and could extend an offer at camp next month or in the fall. Nonetheless, the explosive athlete capable of playing in the backfield or as a slot receiver could easily find a home in the SEC. St. Julien is putting Vinton High on the map.

Jeremy Gibson, 3-star RB, 2018 (Reserve, La.)

Commitment status: Uncommitted

Notable offers: Arkansas, Missouri, Arizona State, Texas Tech, Purdue

Spring recap: Arguably the most well-rounded tailback in Louisiana’s 2018 class, Gibson’s recruitment finally took off this spring as he added a handful of Power 5 offers. Gibson boasts good size (5-foot-11, 190 pounds), along with good hands and is very elusive coming out of the backfield. Like St. Julien and other in-state backs, LSU is keeping tabs on Gibson and hoping to have him camp in Baton Rouge next month.

Devin Brumfield, 3-star RB, 2018 (Covington, La.)

Spring recap: Another one of the top backs in Louisiana’s 2018 class, Brumfield held an early overture from Mississippi State and has again seen his recruitment take off. Missouri is the latest SEC team to extend an offer to the Covington High workhorse, while both Alabama and LSU have been on hand taking a closer look at the 5-foot-10, 220-pound grinder. Whether LSU or Alabama offers him remains to be seen. The 3-star back will likely need to camp in order to secure an offer, but Brumfield has established himself as one of the best in the North Shore and the state.

John Emery Jr., 4-star RB, 2019 (Destrehan, La.)

Spring recap: Emery has emerged as the top running back in the state for 2019 and would likely own that same spot regardless of class. Louisiana is loaded with 2019 backfield talent and Emery is the leader. At 6-foot and 195 pounds, he is a versatile threat as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. He can run over defenders and make them miss. Because he is on track to become a household name, LSU offered Emery at the start of the spring. Michigan, Texas and Tennessee have since followed suit as the 4-star Destrehan High back begins to amass a rather impressive offer sheet heading into his junior year.

Ashaad Clayton, RB, 2020 (New Orleans)

Commitment status: Uncommitted

Notable offers: UGA, Tennessee, Auburn, Kansas, Tulane

Spring recap: Clayton has burst onto the scene and is the youngest recruit listed in this piece. The Class of 2020 standout has drawn offers from a handful of SEC schools this spring and will only continue that trend moving forward. LSU’s New Orleans-area recruiter, Mickey Joseph, is well-aware of the fast-rising running back out of Warren Easton. At 6-foot and 185 pounds, he certainly fits the mold for new running backs coach Tommie Robinson.

Spring recap: Chase has established himself as one of the premier playmakers in not only Louisiana, but the country this spring. He has impressed every step of the way with the Louisiana Bootleggers’ 7-on-7 squad and in Rummel High’s newly implemented aerial attack. At 6-2 and 200 pounds, he is both physical and quick enough to create separation against elite defensive backs. LSU has prioritized Chase, who is also getting courted by several out-of-state powers.

Spring recap: One of the best in-state for the 2019 class, Lee’s offer sheet continues to grow as he reeled in several more Power 5 offers this spring. Lee is following in the footsteps of another 5-star Amite receiver, DeVonta Smith, now at Alabama, but those in Tangipahoa Parish believe Lee could have an even higher ceiling. LSU has Lee atop its receiver board for 2019 and he is being recruited by offensive coordinator Matt Canada.

Spring recap: One of the most dynamic playmakers at any position in the state regardless of class, Palmer is a multi-sport, versatile athlete who finally boasts an offer sheet fitting to his skill-set. Michigan and Alabama are among the schools to offer Palmer this spring. The 4-star wide receiver first claimed an offer from Les Miles and LSU during prospect camp last June, but the Wolverines are another program to watch in this race.

Kym Wimberly Jr., 3-star WR, 2018 (New Orleans)

Commitment status: Uncommitted

Notable offers: Harvard, Houston, Tulane, Princeton

Spring recap: The epitome of a student-athlete, Wimberly has seen a bevy of offers roll during Holy Cross’ spring practice. Several Ivy League schools have taken notice, as well as in-town school Tulane and rival Houston. Wimberly has skills and the IQ to match, which makes for an intriguing prospect capable of flourishing in a spread offense.

John Stephens Jr., 3-star ATH, 2018 (Logansport, La.)

Spring recap: Stephens was a key cog as Logansport captured a state championship last December and, as result, his recruitment has since taken off. At 6-4 and 225 pounds, Stephens is being recruited as an athlete. He can play either wide receiver or possibly flip to the defensive line, depending on a school’s preference. Nonetheless, he boasts incredible athleticism and has impressed on the offensive side of the ball with above-average vertical ability and strong hands to make grabs in traffic.

Spring recap: Beal, the state’s top-ranked tight end, has long been considered an LSU lean. However, as he holds off on giving a verbal pledge, offers have continued to flow in for the John Curtis standout. The 6-5, 250-pound prospect is a proven run blocker, but often his pass-catching ability is overlooked. He has tremendous hands and can make grabs in traffic. He also has deceptive speed. Beal holds offers from most SEC schools, with Ole Miss, Miami and A&M all making a strong push. LSU has a strong chance of keeping the 3-star tight end in-state as long as Canada’s offense utilizes the H-back.

Christian Trahan, 3-star TE, 2018 (Sulphur, La.)

Spring recap: Louisiana has a pair of talented tight ends in this year’s group and Trahan is one of them. The 6-3, 240-pound prospect has garnered a lot of looks this spring from Mississippi State and some other Power 5 schools. LSU is also monitoring the 3-star recruit, who has already been on campus. Trahan is a strong fit for a spread offense that utilizes a versatile option at the tight end position.

Spring recap: The state’s premier left tackle prospect, Wire has procured well over 30 offers. LSU finally made its move for the 3-star lineman this spring after he continued to add to his frame. Florida State, Florida and Texas also followed suit as the tackle became one of the most-watched prospects in Louisiana this spring. Consider Wire an early lean toward the in-state Tigers, but he is in no rush to make a decision. With so many offers, he is going through the process carefully. Expect a decision before the fall.

Spring recap: LSU’s 5-star lineman is beginning to piece together an offer sheet representative of his rankings. Thomas is the No. 1 guard in the country for 2019 and is locked in strongly with the Tigers after a private, unofficial meeting with Ed Orgeron earlier this month. Alabama and Texas are both very, very keen on Thomas, and for obvious reasons. However, the odds are in LSU’s favor of keeping the All-America talent in Baton Rouge.

Spring recap: The LSU defensive line commit has been sidelined with an injury during the spring, but that did not prevent Alabama from extending an offer to the versatile front-seven prospect. Jenkins’ recruitment spiked early on, as he jumped on an offer from Kansas and committed. LSU followed suit and flipped the 3-star defensive lineman, who believes he’ll wind up following another Plaquemine High standout in Davon Godchaux. Texas and TCU could be the next to offer Jenkins, who, prior to his injury, impressed at “The Opening” regional in Dallas, which earned him an invite to The Finals next month in Oregon.

Spring recap: Sopsher, the state’s top-ranked recruit in 2019, has added several notable offers to his list this spring, including the defending national champs and an array of SEC schools. LSU has hosted the 5-star defensive lineman for a handful of visits, including the spring game most recently, but Sopsher has not yet been able to figure out his top schools. Nonetheless, offers will continue to pour in for the elite defensive end. This will likely shape up as an LSU vs. Alabama battle to the wire.

Earl Barquet, DL, 2019 (Marrero, La.)

Commitment status: Uncommitted

Notable offers: Florida State, Mississippi State, Oklahoma

Spring recap: One of the up-and-coming defensive ends in the 2019 class is Barquet, who is putting together a rather impressive offer sheet early on in his recruitment. Florida State was the first to tender a scholarship to the lineman, and Mississippi State and Oklahoma were quick to follow suit. LSU is well-aware of the strongside end and an offer could come during the prospect camp in June. Look for Barquet to establish himself as a name to know when the fall rolls around.

Spring recap: The No. 1 linebacker in the country in 2019, Starks’ return to Louisiana has led to an uptick in his recruitment. The 5-star recruit has added double-digit offers over the past few months, including LSU, which has jumped out to an early lead. Starks is an athletic, hard-nosed recruit who should continue to bolster his offer sheet when the fall hits. This is LSU’s race to lose as it continues to add elite linebackers in each recruiting cycle.

Spring recap: Clark has assumed the “CAT” role at Southern Lab this season, which means he’ll be the focal point of the defense. The 4-star defender will spend time at inside and outside linebacker, as well as strong safety, not to mention some snaps at tight end. He’s incredibly athletic with deceptive speed and overwhelming power, and should establish himself as one of the most versatile and game-changing prospects in the entire class. As more powerhouses extend offers, don’t expect Clark to waver on his LSU pledge.

Spring recap: Arguably no prospect in the state has seen his recruitment take off quite like Smith, who is approaching 30 offers in a four-month span. Tennessee, Mississippi State, Oregon State and Oklahoma State are just some of the notable offers that the 3-star corner has added, while LSU and defensive backs coach Corey Raymond have taken notice. Smith’s quick development as a lockdown outside corner is a result of being tested during his run with the Louisiana Bootleggers’ 7-on-7 squad and training with NFL and SEC alum J.J. McCleskey. Expect more schools to pursue Smith as he continues to hone his craft. An LSU offer could be a difference-maker.

Lance Robinson, 3-star DB, 2018 (New Orleans)

Spring recap: Another Louisiana Bootlegger, Robinson has amassed almost 30 offers in a short period of time as he has established himself as one of the better athletes in Louisiana. He just happens to play safety on the 7-on-7 circuit, where his instincts and quick-twitch reflexes allow him to excel in any type of coverage. LSU showed interest in the 3-star defensive back earlier this spring, but South Carolina was the first SEC team to offer. The Gamecocks will have to contend with Kansas, Kansas State, Washington State and Tulane for Robinson.

Spring recap: The one-time LSU commit reopened his recruitment earlier this spring amid an influx of new offers pouring in. Stingley now claims offers from Alabama, UGA, Florida and Florida State, while Miami could be close to following suit. The 4-star corner is as polished as they come at this stage in his development, which is why schools are jumping into the sweepstakes as early as possible. LSU may still be the team to beat for the Baton Rouge native, but UGA and Florida will certainly make this interesting.

Dorian Camel, 3-star DB, 2018 (Baton Rouge, La.)

Commitment status: Uncommitted

Notable offers: Missouri, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Duke, Tulane

Spring recap: Camel boasts state championship track speed, which has translated nicely to his recruitment as a safety. Missouri, Ole Miss and Arkansas have all offered to the fast-rising defensive back this spring, and more offers are certainly on the way. Camel shares a secondary with 2018 4-star commit Kelvin Joseph, as the two comprise one of the most talent-laden defenses in Louisiana. Camel’s big spring has put him on LSU’s radar and an offer could come if the safety elects to camp in Baton Rouge later this summer.

Spring recap: Bush may not have been a household name last year, but he should have been. The Edna Karr standout started at left cornerback as a sophomore, helping to lock down some of the elite wide receivers in District 9-4A and even returning an interception in the state title game against Neville. UGA, Auburn and LSU were Bush’s first three offers, while Florida and South Carolina followed.

Israel Mukuamu, 3-star S, 2018 (Bossier City, La.)

Spring recap: Mukuamu transferred from South Carolina to Louisiana at the start of the spring and has seen an uptick in his recruitment as college coaches funnel through Parkway High to visit with teammates Justin Rogers and Terrace Marshall Jr. At 6-4 and 190 pounds, Mukuamu has the appearance of a skinnier Arden Key. However, as a safety, he utilizes his elite size and wingspan to lock down wide receivers. He has quick feet and good coverage ability. In addition to SEC offers from South Carolina and Ole Miss, schools such as LSU, Clemson and Notre Dame have all shown interest and could offer him down the road.

Shawn Preston, 3-star S, 2018 (St. James, La.)

Commitment status: Uncommitted

Notable offers: Texas Tech, Arizona, Louisiana Tech, Houston, Memphis

Spring recap: Another fast-rising defensive back who has benefited from the 7-on-7 circuit, Preston has put together an impressive offer sheet that finally includes a handful of Power 5 schools after a productive spring. Preston has good anticipation and tends to always be in the right place at the right time. That’s no accident either. He is physical and has improved his footwork over the past few weeks, a credit to his training and development with the Louisiana Bootleggers’ 7-on-7 team.

Aaron Brule’, 3-star S, 2018 (New Orleans)

Spring recap: Brule’ is one of the state’s most intriguing and most coveted prospects, bar none. The 3-star strong safety is also being courted as an outside linebacker, and that versatility is why some college coaches are chomping at the bit to flip him away from Kansas. That might very well be the case, too, with Mississippi State as one team that’s hoping to utilize the hard-hitting safety in the “STAR” position. LSU is also keeping tabs on Brule’.

Chester Kimbrough, CB, 2019 (New Orleans)

Commitment status: Uncommitted

Notable offers: UGA, Oregon State, Kansas, Tulane

Spring recap: One of the fastest-rising corners in the New Orleans area, Easton’s Kimbrough received his first offer from Georgia. Kimbrough measures up at 5-10 and 150 pounds, and boasts fantastic speed and quickness, signature qualities of a good cover corner. Additionally, the budding defensive back has good makeup speed and is not a liability in run defense. Kimbrough’s early offer sheet should continue to grow when he visits camps this summer and when the fall rolls around.